D&D 5E Potions

[Savage Wombat]

Maybe this has been discussed before, but maybe not:

In a game where the spellcasters can only maintain one buff on someone at a time, doesn't the value of potions go up considerably? If the fighter doesn't have to choose between haste and stoneskin, but can now opt for both, he's going to value that potion considerably more than he did in 3rd. Depending on the availability of potions, of course.

This leads me to suspect a "one potion active at a time" rule exists - and that might be why the beloved Potion Miscibility table has been reintroduced!

I also think that the lowered availability of permanent magic items suggests a need for more options in the temporary department, and that's where potions should come in.

 

[Crothian]

and that might be why the beloved Potion Miscibility table has been reintroduced!

5e needs this. That would be a great thing to put as an option at least in the DMG.

 

[the Jester]

5e needs this. That would be a great thing to put as an option at least in the DMG.

I am pretty darn sure we're going to see this. After all, it was in the playtest.

 

[CapnZapp]

Maybe this has been discussed before, but maybe not:

In a game where the spellcasters can only maintain one buff on someone at a time, doesn't the value of potions go up considerably? If the fighter doesn't have to choose between haste and stoneskin, but can now opt for both, he's going to value that potion considerably more than he did in 3rd. Depending on the availability of potions, of course.

This leads me to suspect a "one potion active at a time" rule exists - and that might be why the beloved Potion Miscibility table has been reintroduced!

I also think that the lowered availability of permanent magic items suggests a need for more options in the temporary department, and that's where potions should come in.

This is an old topic, but since I can't find this sentiment being said anywhere else, let me bump it to say "I agree"

 

[Dragonsbane]

DMG p. 140 - Variant: Mixing Potions

VARIANT: MIXING POTIONS
A character might drink one potion while still under the effects of another, or pour several potions into a single container. The strange ingredients used in creating potions can result in unpredictable interactions. When a character mixes two potions together, you can roll on the Potion Miscibility table. If more than two are combined, roll again for each subsequent potion , combining the results. Unless the effects are immediately obvious, reveal them only when they become evident.

Check that out, solves the problem! You could even make a more expanded chart for more options.

 

[miniaturehoarder]

I use the 1E version still where an instant potion still 'lingersl for a time for the purposes of the table.

 

[Li Shenron]

You also probably* have control on how common and expensive those potions are, if you are worried about stacking effects but wouldn't like to use the optional potion miscibility rules.

*not sure what is the current status on potion creation option in 5e